Rocket (Eruca vesicaria sativa)

Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Eruca vesicaria sativa is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour, the taste is best from fast, well-grown plants. — Young leaves - raw or cooked.; A distinct strongly spicy flavour, the taste is best from fast, well-grown plants.; A few leaves added to a salad are acceptable though the flavour is too strong for many tastes.; Some people really like these leaves though most are not very keen.

Habitat & North American Range

Waste ground, fields, olive groves, stony hills, tracksides etc. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)